The lowdown on strollers

A stroller is a must-have for most moms and dads. You'll need this essential piece of parenting gear right from the start until your child is able to walk a substantial distance on his own, by about age 3 or 4.

But with so many different types of strollers available, it can be hard to tell which one is right for your family. Are you looking for something cheap and light, or do you want to splurge on a stylish and sturdy top-of-the-line model? Or do you just want something basic and all-purpose? Are you going to be taking it off-road or just navigating the grocery store? Do you need one that can carry more than one child?

Before you buy, consider where you live, where you expect to push your stroller, and how much you want to spend. If you plan to take your child on long urban walks, you'll need a stroller that's sturdy but easy to maneuver up curbs, in and out of shops, and through narrow aisles.

Calculate the cost of your baby's first year, including gear, diapers, childcare, and more.

If you'll use a stroller mainly for quick errands, you can probably get away with a simple car seat stroller frame for younger babies and a lightweight stroller for older ones. Active moms and dads who want to bring their baby along when running or hiking will want a rugged jogging stroller. You may end up with several strollers in your closet or garage as your child grows and your needs change!

Types of strollers

There are six basic types of strollers:

Standard-size strollers come in many different styles and designs, but will almost always have a comfortable padded seat that can recline into different positions. Most have sun shades and storage areas below the seat. In some, the baby faces forward, while others position the passenger looking back at the parents; many models can shift from one orientation to the other. They can range from simple, inexpensive strollers to high-end strollers loaded up with features.

Car seat stroller frames are lightweight metal frames designed to carry specific types of infant car seats. You remove the car seat from its base in the car, snap it into the stroller frame, and voilà – a simple, no-fuss stroller. (This is a convenient feature when you need to take a sleeping baby out of the back seat.)

Car seat stroller frames are easy to fold up and throw in the trunk of your car, and don't take up much space. But once your baby outgrows her infant car seat (usually when she hits 25 pounds or so, which can happen by the first birthday or months earlier), you won't be able to use one anymore.

Travel systems are traditional strollers that can also carry an infant car seat. This option is larger, heavier, and more expensive than a stroller frame, but you can use it after your baby has outgrown her infant car seat. Travel systems usually include a stroller and matching infant car seat.

Lightweight strollers, sometimes called umbrella strollers, usually weigh 12 pounds or less and fold up compactly. These no-frills strollers may not have much padding and sometimes aren't very adjustable, but they are usually less expensive than models with more features. These strollers are better for toddlers and older babies (check the manufacturer's age recommendation). Some families use them as backup strollers or for traveling. Most aren't suitable for infants because they don't fully recline or have much head support.

Jogging strollers feature three bicycle wheels on a lightweight frame and deliver a smooth ride for both pusher and passenger. They're great for taking your child on long walks, runs, and even hikes through the woods (if the trail is wide enough). Some jogging strollers carry more than one child, either side-by-side or one-behind-the-other.

In urban environments, jogging strollers can help you scale steep hills and navigate over curbs. But their size makes them hard to maneuver up and down stairs, into elevators, or through stores, and they don't fold up as compactly as other models.

Note: You may need to purchase additional parts to use a jogging stroller safely when your baby is younger than 6 months old. Some jogging strollers fully recline for infants, but if yours doesn't, you'll have to buy an infant car seat adapter or a separate bassinet or "carry cot" made for your stroller.

Double and triple strollers let parents push two (or more) children at once. In tandem models, one child sits behind the other, an arrangement that can be useful for a baby and an older sibling. Some traditional strollers have the option of adding a platform behind the baby's seat where an older sibling can stand. The other option is a side-by-side model.

Tandem strollers are easier to maneuver through doorways, though the rear seats on some models can lack legroom. Side-by-side strollers can be harder to wheel down a crowded sidewalk, but the seats are equally comfortable for all passengers.

What to look for when buying

Safety: Make sure the stroller frame will lock into position. The mechanism should be easy to use and will prevent it from collapsing accidentally while carrying a child. Examine the frame for sharp edges or protrusions. Small fingers and toes can get caught between metal parts or pinched by uncovered springs. Also avoid strollers with leg openings that are wide enough for an infant to accidentally slip through.

Look for a stroller that has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure it meets current safety standards. Also, check our Product Recall Finder and latest recalls page to make sure the stroller hasn't been recalled.

Seatbelts: A restraint system is a must, or else any reasonably curious baby will find an escape. The safest system is a five-point harness that wraps around the waist, between the legs, and comes down over the shoulders. Make sure the buckle easy for you to unhook, but comfortable and secure for the child.

Brakes: Test them in the store. Are they easy to operate? The wheels should lock when you engage the brake.

Maneuverability: You should be able to push a stroller in a straight line and turn it with one hand. Having wheels that can swivel in the front and rear will make a stroller easier to turn.

Handle height: Handles should be at the pusher's waist level or slightly below. Most strollers are built for the average-size woman. If you don't fit this description – and most dads don't – you may want a stroller with adjustable handles. You can also buy stroller handle extenders.

Adjustable seat: Does the seat recline? Newborns need a seat that reclines to an almost flat position until they have head control and can sit up, usually by around 6 months. Is it easy to adjust? Even for older babies or toddlers, a reclining seat is a plus for comfortable napping on the go.

Canopy: An adjustable shade will protect your child from the sun, rain, and wind and can make rides more comfortable.

Storage: An under-the-seat basket is a big help on shopping trips and for hauling baby equipment.

A note about used strollers: If you buy a stroller at a garage sale or receive one as a hand-me-down, go through the checklist above and subject it to the same criteria, then do what you'd do with any used vehicle: Kick its tires, make sure its wheels aren't going to fall off anytime soon, look for anything loose or broken, and check for recalls.

What it's going to cost you

A simple, traditional stroller can cost as little as $50, but high-end models can go for $500 to $1,000. Frames for car seat strollers will run about $50 to $70 (not including the infant car seat), while a complete travel system will start at about $180. Inexpensive umbrella strollers can be found for as little as $10. Jogging strollers often cost $100 to $200, though some models are $500 and up. Strollers that can carry more than one child typically start at $150 to $200.

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